Not even when Nico Carvacho was a scrawny freshman learning the ropes during a redshirt season, and certainly not when the Chilean began growing into his frame the next year.

It was then, during the 2016-17 season, when people finally began catching a glimpse of what Omogbo knew since coming to Colorado State University — Carvacho was special.

As Carvacho now sits three boards away from passing Pat Durham as the program's all-time leading rebounder, Omogbo's sentiments have never been truer.

"I've seen it from day one," Omogbo said. "He wasn't only talented, he's also worked hard for what he has."

A senior at the time and the Mountain West's leading rebounder in the final month of the season, Omogbo saw the work put in by Carvacho. When some players left the gym, the redshirt freshman stayed. Even when Omogbo arrived early some mornings to shoot, Carvacho was already on the court working on footwork and other nuances of the game that oftentimes go unnoticed.

So as the end of the regular season approached and the Rams entered conference play, Omogbo wasn't surprised when No. 32 became a problem on the boards, one opponents still haven't figured out.

"It was never roughing Nico up because he came to practice every single day," Omogbo said. "It really was a battle for me and him. Really the rebounding stuff, we got to it.

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"I felt like he beat me through the rebounding stuff because he started going to get all the rebounds that I used to get late in that season. He started getting all the rebounds and I was like, OK, so I just started running back. That's when he was progressing and growing in the right direction."

In all likelihood, Carvacho will surpass Durham's 851 career rebounds Tuesday night when the Rams host San Diego State. Even more impressive, he'll do so in less than three years while all the other players in the top five played four seasons.

Carvacho battles for position against Boise State's David Wacker on Jan. 29. The center leads the nation with 13 rebounds per game. (Colin Barnard / Loveland Reporter-Herald)

"It means a lot knowing that I did it in three years, followed all the footsteps of the people in front of me," Carvacho said. "I learned, played hard every single day and grew. That's the thing I'm most proud about."

Everyone in CSU's program will support Carvacho's statement — he plays hard because he wants to grow, and vice versa. Even though Omogbo said he was pushed by Carvacho, the latter admits he was tested in his opening years by teammates like Omogbo, Tiel Daniels and Joe De Ciman. Pierce Hornung — one of the most successful rebounders in CSU history — did the same on the coaching staff.

But it's largely what made him into the player he is now.

"I see those guys like big bros," Carvacho said. "I believe in what they're saying and I know they're gonna keep it straight with me. They destroyed me, but I always kept coming back. Even thought they might have got the best of me a couple days, I never gave up and that really helped me."

After ending his career fourth on CSU's all-time rebounds list, Hornung joined the Rams' coaching staff the same year Carvacho arrived in Fort Collins. Like Omogbo, he noticed the center take a step during his redshirt freshman season, prompting thoughts of how high he could go at CSU.

"He has an attitude that he wants to get better, and I think that's why he is where he is," Hornung said. "During his redshirt freshman year, the way he rebounded and played the role that he played, I think there were signs of it then. And then seeing the jump from year to year, when you see guys that improve that much, the trajectory is high."

The yearly jump is one of the many impressive aspects in Carvacho's summit to the top of the record books. He averaged 5.7 rebounds his first year playing before nearly doubling it to 10.3 per game as a redshirt sophomore. Now in year three and following a 17-rebound showing at Wyoming, Carvacho leads with nation with 13 boards per contest.

And despite constant whispers of eventually reaching the top of the list, his focus hasn't wavered.

"Like I've said from day one, such a big key to him is how he's continuing to improve. The focus hasn't been on (the record), it's been on getting better every day," coach Niko Medved said. "Sometimes when you're living in it every day, it's hard to realize and appreciate it. But it really is amazing."

It all comes back to his work ethic. Omogbo believes it began with Carvacho's family and upbringing, and it only continued at CSU when he found himself surrounded by people who made him better.

And as the two still regularly stay in touch, Omogbo hasn't been shy in lending some encouragement.

"For sure, we talked about it before the season started," Omogbo said. "I told him before the season, I was like, 'This is a big year for you. You've gotta break a couple of records.'"

If his play is any indication, a couple records are only the beginning.

"Hearing stuff like that, it really helps my confidence," Carvacho said. "Knowing that he believes in me, I might as well believe in myself."

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